Charlotte Flair’s SmackDown Return After 15 Months: A Precursor to WrestleMania Glory

Ankit puri2 hours ago

Charlotte Flair, one of WWE’s most decorated superstars, is set to wrestle her first match on SmackDown in 15 months. The Queen has been absent from regular competition on the blue brand, but that’s about to change as she steps into the ring against B-Fab.

With her recent Women’s Royal Rumble victory, Flair has secured a high-stakes match at WrestleMania against reigning WWE Women’s Champion Tiffany Stratton. But before she reaches the Grandest Stage of Them All, she must overcome B-Fab in what will be her first SmackDown match in over a year.

Flair’s return has been one of the most anticipated moments in recent WWE history, and her upcoming match serves as a significant milestone on her road to WrestleMania. Will she prove why she remains the Queen of WWE, or will B-Fab cause an upset?

Let’s break down Flair’s return, her path to WrestleMania, and what her SmackDown match means for her future.

Charlotte Flair’s 15-Month Absence from SmackDown: What Happened?

Charlotte Flair has been one of WWE’s most dominant superstars since her main roster debut in 2015. However, her in-ring appearances have been sporadic over the past couple of years, leading to her extended absence from SmackDown.

Injury and Time Off

After dropping the WWE SmackDown Women’s Championship to Ronda Rousey at Backlash 2022, Flair took time off to heal from injuries. She made her surprise return in December 2022, defeating Rousey for the championship in an impromptu match.

However, her reign was cut short as she lost the title to Asuka at Night of Champions 2023. Shortly after, she suffered another setback when she sustained an injury during a match against Asuka and Bianca Belair on SmackDown. This sidelined her from WWE programming for several months.

The Road to the Royal Rumble Return

Fans eagerly awaited Flair’s comeback, and she made a triumphant return at the 2024 Women’s Royal Rumble match. Entering as a surprise entrant, she outlasted 29 other competitors to win her second Royal Rumble, punching her ticket to WrestleMania 40.

Her target? WWE Women’s Champion Tiffany Stratton.

Charlotte Flair vs. B-Fab: Why This Match Matters

As Flair prepares for WrestleMania, WWE has scheduled her return match for SmackDown against B-Fab. This may seem like a straightforward match, but there are several reasons why it holds significance.

1. Charlotte Flair’s First SmackDown Match in 15 Months

Flair’s return to SmackDown is a big deal. While she has wrestled in premium live events and RAW appearances, she has not competed in a match on the blue brand in over a year. This match is a symbolic homecoming, reminding fans that she remains one of the top competitors in WWE.

2. Building Momentum for WrestleMania

With WrestleMania just weeks away, Flair needs to establish dominance before facing Tiffany Stratton. A decisive win over B-Fab will reinforce her credibility as a challenger and put her in prime form heading into her championship bout.

3. B-Fab’s Biggest Singles Match Yet

While B-Fab has primarily been featured in managerial roles and faction-based storylines, this match presents her with a major opportunity. If she can hold her own against Flair, it could elevate her status in WWE’s women’s division.

4. Possible Interference from Tiffany Stratton

Given the stakes, Stratton could make her presence felt during this match. Whether she interferes directly or simply observes from ringside, this bout could serve as a teaser for the WrestleMania showdown between the two superstars.

Charlotte Flair vs. Tiffany Stratton: A WrestleMania Dream Match

With WrestleMania on the horizon, Flair’s main focus is dethroning Tiffany Stratton. The upcoming SmackDown match against B-Fab is just a stepping stone on that journey.

Flair’s Championship Legacy

Charlotte Flair is no stranger to title matches at WrestleMania. She has previously defeated the likes of Rhea Ripley, Asuka, and Sasha Banks on WWE’s biggest stage. With 14 world championship reigns to her name, she is on the verge of surpassing her father, Ric Flair, and John Cena’s record of 16 world titles.

Tiffany Stratton: The Rising Star

Tiffany Stratton, on the other hand, is relatively new to the WWE Women’s Championship scene. Since winning the title, she has defended it successfully against formidable challengers. However, facing Charlotte Flair at WrestleMania will be the biggest test of her reign.

Clash of Styles: Power vs. Precision

Charlotte Flair: A technical powerhouse with years of championship experience.
Tiffany Stratton: A rising star known for her athleticism and confidence.

The contrast in their wrestling styles will make for an exciting contest. Will Flair’s veteran experience give her the edge, or will Stratton prove that the new generation is ready to take over?

Fan Expectations for Charlotte Flair’s SmackDown Return

With Charlotte Flair set to wrestle her first SmackDown match in 15 months, fans are buzzing with anticipation. Here’s what they expect:

A dominant performance: Many expect Flair to make a statement by dismantling B-Fab in decisive fashion.
A post-match confrontation with Tiffany Stratton: WWE is known for teasing major feuds before WrestleMania, and a face-off between Flair and Stratton seems likely.
A competitive bout for B-Fab: While most believe Flair will win, some fans are excited to see what B-Fab can do in a high-profile singles match.

Social media reactions have ranged from excitement about Flair’s return to curiosity about how the match will unfold.

What’s Next for Charlotte Flair?

Following her SmackDown match against B-Fab, Flair’s focus will shift entirely to her WrestleMania showdown with Tiffany Stratton. But what happens beyond WrestleMania?

1. Will Flair Become the WWE Women’s Champion Again?

If Flair defeats Stratton, she will extend her championship legacy and add another world title to her collection. However, if she loses, it could signal a shift in WWE’s women’s division, with Stratton solidifying herself as the new face of the company.

2. Potential Feuds After WrestleMania

Regardless of the outcome at WrestleMania, Flair’s return will open up several exciting possibilities:

Flair vs. Bianca Belair: A long-awaited dream match between two of WWE’s most athletic superstars.
Flair vs. Bayley: A revisit of one of Flair’s greatest rivalries.
Flair vs. Rhea Ripley (Rematch): If Ripley retains the Women’s World Championship on RAW, another clash with Flair could be on the horizon.

3. Could Flair Move to RAW?

With the WWE Draft expected after WrestleMania, Flair’s future remains uncertain. If she wins the WWE Women’s Championship, she will stay on SmackDown. However, if she loses, WWE could move her to RAW to challenge for the Women’s World Championship instead.

Final Thoughts: The Queen is Back!

Charlotte Flair’s return to SmackDown after 15 months is a major moment for WWE. With her match against B-Fab set to kick off her WrestleMania build-up, all eyes are on the Queen as she looks to reclaim her throne.

Her journey back to the top won’t be easy, especially with Tiffany Stratton standing in her way. But if history has taught us anything, it’s that Charlotte Flair thrives under pressure.

Will she make a statement on SmackDown? Will B-Fab prove to be a worthy challenger? And most importantly—will The Queen reign supreme once again at WrestleMania?

The answers will unfold in the coming weeks, but one thing is certain: Charlotte Flair is back, and she’s ready to remind the world why she is WWE royalty.